Sudan RSF commander defects with 300 personnel and 30 combat vehicles

A commander in Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) said on Thursday that he had defected, taking 300 officers and soldiers and 30 combat vehicles with him.

Lt. Col. Mohammed Azraq al-Fanjari, who led the RSF’s Special Tasks Group, announced his departure in a video statement circulated by Sudanese media.

Al-Fanjari said he had decided to relinquish his military duties and responsibilities in the RSF after reflecting on the consequences of the war, which he described as futile.

He said he was siding with the sanctity of Sudanese lives and the pursuit of peace.

Al-Fanjari also said he disassociated himself from any violations against civilians or their property. He apologized to families affected by deaths, displacement and other harm during the conflict, which has continued since April 2023.

Describing the fighting as “a war without a cause and without a future,” he called on other RSF members to reconsider their positions and leave the group. He urged his former colleagues to support the Sudanese Armed Forces and prevent further bloodshed.

The RSF did not immediately comment on Al-Fanjari’s announcement.